Marquette Park
Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, Savanna’s oldest park not only provides access to the river but also allows visitors an excellent view to enjoy the day or a meal. The park, that stretches four city blocks, includes a large shelter house, two smaller shelters, as well as over 20 benches and a walking path that winds along the river’s edge. Two boat launches, one at each end of the park, are free and the upper lot has 41 parking spots for vehicles and trailers. A handicapped accessible restroom is located in the center of the park on the upper section. The city park was opened in 1918. A schoolboy, Charles Reese won the contest to the select the name for the new park— Marquette Park. In April of 1930, the city turned over the property to the park district.
Savanna Marina
Located at 1 Main Street in downtown Savanna on the Mississippi River, this area offers four launch ramps, gas pumps, annual campsites, dry dock spaces with unlimited launching privileges, slip rentals and winter storage. Facility also has restrooms and showers and is home to Eager Beaver BBQ.
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Daily launch fees are $5 for in-district residents and $9 for out-of-district. Season passes are $100 in-district and $150 for out-of-district.
In 1975, the Park District received grant money and a private donation which it used to purchase land, including an island, for a marina facility. It opened in 1976 and includes a C.M.St.P.&P caboose that was acquired in 1984 and served as the office for many years. For more information on the Savanna Marina you can call the Savanna Park District office at (815) 273 - 4485 or the Marina at (815) 273 - 2995.
Old Mill Park
Enjoy 60 acres of fun and relaxation! Old Mill Park features ball diamonds, tennis & basketball courts, playgrounds, nature and walking trails, and plenty of green space.
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Shelters & Rentals:
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Plum Pavilion (middle of park) – $30
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The Oaks Pavilion (front of park), The Woods Pavilion (near tennis courts), Mennenga Pavilion East (near Nature Trail), Mennenga Pavilion West (near back playground) – $25 each
First-come, first-served or reserve through the Savanna Park District Office at 815-273-4487. Open April 15–October 31; walk-in access available year-round during daylight hours.
Savanna Swimming Pool
Opened in 1975, the Savanna Swimming Pool is attached to the West Carroll High School at 500 Cragmoor Avenue. The indoor pool is 42' x 75' and is currently open daily for open swim, lap swim, and water exercise. For more information and hours for the pool call 815-273-3887 or follow them on Facebook.
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It was determined in 1972 that the outdoor pool at Helle Park was no longer useful. Several groups of citizens headed by the Savanna Junior Woman’s Club, raised public support to pass a referendum for a new indoor pool. In 1975, the Savanna School Board deeded the necessary property so the $300,000 pool could be built attached to the high school building.
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A joint use agreement between the two taxing bodies allowed the park district to operate the pool during the summer and the school district took over during the school year. In 2004, the school board voted to turn year-round operations over to the park district.
Helle Park + Sixth Street Park
Helle Park is a two-block park located in a neighborhood on the east side of town. The park features two playground areas for ages 2-5 and ages 5-12, basketball court, a paved walking path, and parking. Located east of Iris Street between Jackson and Arnold streets, the 2.5 acre park was dedicated on Dec. 24, 1976, and was a donation from the Helle family. It was once the site of the city’s first swimming pool.
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Through the effort of KaBoom, Team Illinois and over 150 community volunteers, a 4,500 square foot playground was completed in one day in September of 2003. The park also includes a basketball court and picnic facilities. Its located near the railroad tracks on Sixth Street and the land was donated by the City of Savanna for the project.